A device

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for the protection of an arm of a carer or handler of humans or animals is provided. The apparatus is comprised of a sleeve of flexible material having a first and second end, the first and second ends of the sleeve define first and second mouths respectively, and when in use the first mouth surrounds a portion of the carers hand or wrist, and the second mouth surrounds a portion of the carers arm between the elbow and armpit, and the portion of the sleeve defining the second mouth and/or the portion of the sleeve adjacent to the second end is adapted to releasably grip the carer&#39;s arm.

This invention relates to apparatus or devices for protecting people who provide care to other humans or animals, in particular the application relates to apparatus or devices adapted to protect the arm or arms of people who provide care to other humans or animals.

It is known that when providing care to humans of all ages, sometimes known as “service users” (hereafter simply referred to as “human patients”), and in particular but not limited to elderly and/or infirm human patients, that the provision of that care generally involves substantial physical contact between the care giver, sometimes known as the “service provider” (hereafter simply referred to as “the carer”) and the human patient. That contact is, in the main, between the hands and arms of the carer and the human patient. It is often the case that the carer's arms are extended between the carer and the human patient and in such circumstances it is common for the human patient to grasp hold of and/or scratch one or both of the carer's arms for any number of reasons.

It is also known that when handling or providing care to animals (hereafter referred to as “animal patients”), that the handling or provision of that care may involve substantial physical contact between the care giver, for example a veterinary worker such as a veterinarian (veterinary physician) or a veterinary nurse (hereafter collectively simply referred to as “the carer”) and the animal patient. That contact is, in the main, between the hands and arms of the carer and the animal patient. The provision of that care also involves the risk that clawed animal patients may scratch the arms of the carer as a result of fear, pain or for other reasons.

Reference in connection with this invention to patients includes reference to human and animal patients unless specifically stated to be human patients or animal patients.

According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for the protection of one or both of the arms of a carer; in which the apparatus is comprised of a sleeve of flexible material, the sleeve having a first and second end, the first and second ends of the sleeve define first and second mouths respectively, and when in use the first mouth surrounds a portion of the carers hand or wrist, and the second mouth surrounds a portion of the carers arm between the elbow and armpit, and the portion of the sleeve defining the second mouth and/or the portion of the sleeve adjacent to the second end is adapted to releasably grip the carer's arm.

The portion of the sleeve defining the second mouth and/or the portion of the sleeve adjacent to the second end of the sleeve that releasably grips the carers arm may grip by way of any known construction such as a drawstring/draw-cord, an elasticated portion of the sleeve, a fastenable strap, for example using a buckle or a hook and loop or burr fastening system, a high friction substance on the inside face of the sleeve, or any other known means for causing the second mouth of the sleeve to grip an arm so that the second mouth does not move relative to the arm.

The first end of the sleeve defines a mouth, which, in use, surrounds the carer's wrist or the palm/back (dorsum) of the carer's hand. An advantage of the sleeve extending so that the first mouth surrounds the palm/back of the carer's hand is that this will have the effect of protecting the carer's wrist. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the sleeve is provided with a thumb hole adjacent the first end of the sleeve. The carer's thumb may extend through the thumb hole, and, in such embodiments, the first mouth will extend around a portion of the palm/back (dorsum) of the hand, between the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb and the metacarpophalangeal joint of the carer's index finger. The presence of a thumb hole is advantageous because it has the effect of anchoring the first end of the sleeve in position on the carer's hand. Such an anchoring has the advantage that the first end of the sleeve cannot ride up the carer's arm so protection of the palm/back of the carer's hand is not lost.

It is particularly preferred that the first end of the sleeve defining the first mouth and, where present, the portion of the sleeve defining the thumb hole, are not hemmed. This is particularly important when the first mouth will extend around a portion of the palm/back of the hand. This has the advantage that there is no ridge/increase in thickness at either the first end of the sleeve defining the mouth or around the thumb hole other than the thickness of the material from which the sleeve is formed. The presence of a hem in the form of a ridge of increased thickness can be felt by the patient when the carer places their hands upon them, and decreases the carer's sense of touch in the region of their hand adjacent to the hem.

The absence of a hem around the first mouth of the sleeve accordingly gives the patient an experience much closer to being touched by a bare hand than is the case when there is a hem around the first mouth of the sleeve and thumb hole if present. This has the effect that the touch of the carer is less confusing and/or distressing for patients who are not fully aware of their surroundings.

A further advantage to not hemming the first mouth of the sleeve and thumb hole, if present, is that it may also allow the carer to provide better care because they have a better sense of touch. Additionally, it will make the use of the apparatus of the present invention less uncomfortable for the carer.

It is advantageous for a carer to use a sleeve of the present invention on one or both arms for many reasons. One of the reasons is concerned with cleanliness and infection control, either within a care institution, such as a hospital, a care home, a veterinary practice, or within the community. In particular, a human patient who is being cared for will in certain situations, such as when they are being moved within a bed or being assisted in standing or sitting, grasp and possibly scratch the arm or arms of a carer. There is a likelihood that the human patient will have a large number of bacteria and/or other micro-organisms on the skin of their hands and/or under their nails and that, when they grasp the arm of the carer, at least some of those bacteria and/or micro-organisms are transferred onto the arm of the carer. Those bacteria and/or other micro-organisms may be detrimental to the health and/or wellbeing of the carer. Use of the sleeve of the present invention will offer the carer protection against those bacteria and/or other micro-organisms. Furthermore, in many care situations a carer will be providing care to more than one human patient. It is undesirable that bacteria and/or other micro-organisms transferred onto the arm or arms of a carer by a first human patient are transferred to one or more other human patients when the one or more other human patients grasp the arm or arms of the carer. It is particularly undesirable that if the carers skin is scratched because bacteria and/or other micro-organisms can be introduced directly into the carer's blood stream.

In connection with animal patients, it is known that animals can often be host to a large number of bacteria and/or other micro-organisms. Some of those bacteria and/or ether micro-organisms may be relatively innocuous as far as the animal is concerned but considerably more problematic for a human. Use of a sleeve according to the present invention will offer the care protection from those bacteria and or other micro-organisms. The protection to the carer offered by the sleeve of the present invention may be particularly advantageous when the animal patient is one with claws that may, if the carer's skin is otherwise unprotected, scratch and break the skin of the carer. This is particularly problematic because bacteria and/or other micro-organisms can be introduced directly into the carer's blood stream.

It is known for carers to wear one or more pair of disposable protective gloves for cleanliness and infection control purposes. It is an advantage of the present invention that such gloves can be used in connection with the sleeve of the present invention. It is particularly preferred that a carer using a sleeve of the present invention will, on an arm with which the sleeve is used, place a first, inner, glove on the hand of that arm, place that arm into the sleeve of the present invention so that the first end of the sleeve overlies a portion of the inner glove, and then place a second, outer glove over the inner glove and the first end of the sleeve.

Combination of the sleeve of the present invention in connection with an inner and outer glove as described above is particularly advantageous for a number of reasons. A first reason why this is advantageous is that such a combination maximises protection of the carer and ensures that the carer can, change the second glove for each patient that the carer is looking after so as not to transmit bacteria and/or other micro-organisms between patients via their hands or the first end of the sleeve.

A second reason why such a combination is advantageous is that if the patient is being bathed or in other circumstances, it is common for a carer's protective glove to be at least partially filled with liquid (whether it be washing water, bodily fluid, or the like). Such a combination of the sleeve of the present invention and an inner and outer glove is such that the skin of the carer is unlikely to be contacted by the liquid within the outer glove if the that outer glove is removed within a sufficiently short time of liquid entering that glove. This will help protect the carer.

In embodiments of the present invention where the first end of the sleeve and the thumb hole, if present, are not hemmed, the lack of hem is advantageous because the presence of a thickened portion of sleeve resulting from a hem makes it more difficult to put the second glove on over the first end of the sleeve which increases the risk that the second glove will tear. This is less likely if there is no hem.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the sleeve is manufactured from a sheet material and has a longitudinal seam extending from the first end to the second end. It is most preferred that that longitudinal seam is glued or fabric welded as an alternative to, or in addition to, stitching. The gluing or fabric welding is preferably continuous with the beneficial effect that the seam does not create a series of cavities or gaps along the seam within which bacteria and/or micro-organisms could become trapped and/or build up. This is in contrast to stitched seams which can include such cavities or gaps. A further benefit of gluing or fabric welding the longitudinal seam is that it will, when the gluing or fabric welding is continuous, result in a waterproof seam. This will prevent the waterborne transmission of bacteria and/or other micro-organisms through the seam and onto the carer.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the seam of the sleeve is located so that, when the seam includes a thumb hole, the seam is located substantially opposite the thumb hole so that the end of the seam adjacent the side of the hand adjacent the little finger when the sleeve is located on an arm.

In some of the embodiments of the present invention where the end of the seam adjacent the first mouth of the sleeve is adjacent the side of the hand adjacent the little finger, the sleeve further comprises one or more darts or pleats adjacent the elbow of the user's arm when the sleeve is in use. The darts or pleats enhance the flexibility, of the sleeve when in use.

In some embodiments, the darts or pleats extend from the seam toward the inner or ventral portion of the user's elbow. In other embodiments, there are provided one or more pleats that overlie part of the users inner (ventral) or outer (dorsal) elbow when in use.

In some embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention, the sleeve is manufactured from a material that has at least one face that is not absorbent. That face is most preferably orientated to face away from the skin of the carer's arm, that is on the outside of the sleeve when in use. This has the result that the outer surface of the sleeve of the present invention, which is the surface which comes into contact with the patient, can be wiped clean. That wiping clean can be with soap and water or some form of antimicrobial substance, for example a disinfectant, bactericide or bleach. This means that the sleeve can be cleaned between patients and the risk of transmission of bacteria and/or other micro-organisms between patients minimised.

In some embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention, the sleeve is manufactured from a material which comprises at least one substance or compound which has antimicrobial, biostatic, bactericidal, fungicidal, antibacterial, antiviral and/or biocidal properties. The material may comprise more than one substance or compound having one of the aforementioned properties. Such properties can help minimise the transmission of viable bacteria and/or other micro-organisms between patients.

It is preferred that the sleeve of the present invention is formed from a material which has a degree of elasticity in at least one direction. It is preferred that the material has elastic properties in two, perpendicular, directions which may commonly be called the X and Y directions in the plane of the material if it is laid flat. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the X or Y direction is a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the carer's arm, and the Y or X direction respectively is substantially perpendicular to the X or Y direction. The advantage of the material from which the sleeve of the present invention is formed having a degree of elasticity in at least one direction is that it makes the sleeve of the present invention more comfortable than would be the case if there was no elasticity. Further, such a degree of elasticity results in the sleeve being, less restrictive of movement of the carer's arm than would be the case if there was no elasticity.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the sleeve may include one or more pleats and/or one or more lacuna or cut outs. It is preferable that where pleats or lacuna are present in the sleeve of the present invention, they are located adjacent to the elbow and/or wrist of the carer. This will avoid of the carer experiencing discomfort as a result of or resistance to the bending of their wrist or elbow.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the material from which the sleeve of the present invention is formed has one or more of the following properties: tear resistance, abrasion resistance, puncture resistance, stain resistance, impermeability to liquids, and/or impermeability to liquids and water vapour permeable.

Tear resistance and/or abrasions resistance and/or puncture resistance of the material or the sleeve of the present invention is advantageous because it helps protect the arm of the carer. For example, it will protect the carer from sharp finger nails on a human patient or claws on an animal patient, and thus helps to prevent injury. The material may additionally or alternatively be puncture proof or puncture resistant, which includes resistance to needle sticks. Again this will help protect the arm of the carer and help prevent injury.

When the material from which the sleeve of the present invention formed is water vapour permeable, this provides the advantage that the arm of the carer will remain substantially dry and the build-up of sweat between the carer's arm and the sleeve of the present invention will be minimised.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the material from which the sleeve of the present invention is formed is a composite of two or more materials, each material having different properties. In some embodiments the material from which the sleeve of the present invention is formed is comprised of at least two layers, those layers having different properties. The layers can be continuously joined to each other, or may be separate from each other. In some of those embodiments, the material from which the sleeve of the present invention is formed is comprised of at least two layers and the layer that is designed to be closest to the skin of the wearer is soft so as to avoid chafing the skin of the wearer. In such embodiments, the layer of material furthermost from the skin of the wearer is preferably non-absorbent, and may comprise within its structure, one or more substances which are one or more of anti-microbial, biostotic, bactericidal, fungicidal, antibacterial, antiviral and/or biocidal.

In some embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention, the surface of the sleeve remote from the skin of the arm of the carer, the outer face, may be smooth, which aids the cleaning of that surface. In such embodiments, it is preferred that the surface is such that although it is smooth, it is not slippery. In alternative embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention the outer face of the sleeve may be wholly or partially textured and/or contoured. The inclusion of texture and/or contours on some or all of the surface of the sleeve gives the advantage that the texture and/or contours may help a patient to grip on to the arm of the carer without slipping. A further advantage of a wholly or partially textured and/or contoured is that the texture and/or contouring may give the patient a more pleasant tactile experience than a smooth surface. The texture and/or contouring on the surface is preferably such that no locations are formed in which micro-organisms can build up.

It is most preferred that the sleeve, according to the present invention, is formed from one or more materials that are resistant to washing at temperatures of up to 95° C., and/or resistant to drying at temperatures of up to 71° C. This is particularly desirable because the use of high temperatures in washing or drying maximises cleansing of the sleeve and the destruction of micro-organisms. This is particularly important in case there may be micro-organisms that have developed resistance to chemical destruction.

The material from which the sleeve of the present invention is made may preferably be a polyamide-elastane fabric. Such a fabric is a polyurethane transfer coated coating on a weft knitted fabric. Other materials of similar properties can be employed in alternative embodiments of the present invention.

The material from which the sleeve of the present invention is made may in some embodiments be coloured so as to be an approximation of the skin tone of the carer. Such colouring is particularly important in connection with some human patients who may be suffering from conditions which leave them confused or without the same cognitive function as the majority or the human population because the carer will not look out of the ordinary when wearing one or two sleeves of the present invention. In other embodiments, the sleeve may be coloured so as to match the colour of a uniform worn by the carer.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for use by a carer comprising at least one sleeve according to the first aspect of the present invention and a storage container or case suitable for the storage of that sleeve or, if the kit is comprised of more than one sleeve, those sleeves. The storage case may be of any appropriate material and may comprise of one or more substances which are antimicrobial, biostatic, bactericidal, fungicidal, antibacterial, antiviral or biocidal. The storage case may be a pouch that can be clipped to a belt or retained on one or more straps that will hold the pouch on the carer's body.

A kit for use by carers may further include at least one protective glove for use by the carer. Most preferably, the kit will include at least two protective gloves in addition to the sleeve or sleeves of the present invention.

The present invention will be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of the sleeve or device according to the present invention in use on either arm of a user;

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows bent embodiments of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows pan isometric view of the device of FIG. 1 with securement strap exposed;

FIG. 5 shows isometric views of storage cases for the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of a sleeve according to the present invention; and

FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of a sleeve according to the present invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, there is shown a sleeve or device for shielding a user's arm. In FIG. 1 a device is used on either arm.

The device is simple composed primarily of one material with minimal profile and additional parts and of a colour that approximates to the colour of the flesh of a user of the apparatus of the present invention. In this way the device is advantageously aesthetically non-threatening in order that vulnerable patients are not intimidated.

Carers can often sustain arm injuries when looking after vulnerable patients.

This device further allows a patient or other third party to grip onto the user's arm, with the arm shielded from bacteria or other damage from bacteria and cross contamination, scratching or other damage.

In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the device comprises a length 1 of cylindrical material, which material is arranged to surround a length of the user's arm, in particular the lower arm. The material is flexible and may be elastic at least in part. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the material comprises Lycra® or similar and Lightweight Micro Fibre Polyester. The polyester has an external non-absorbent rubber or plasticised finish to increase grip for the patient, and to allow easy wiping clean where necessary. As patients tend to grab the arms of carers it would be unsafe for the device to be slippery to touch so in such embodiments the finish is ideally lightly textured or smooth but not slippery.

The material has an internal Lycra® layer for comfort for the user's arm, Lycra™ being soft and breathable. This layer may be displaceable, detachable, washable or disposable.

In other embodiments of the present invention, differing combination of layers of material and/or layers of differing physical properties may be envisaged, for example comprising an outer layer, a base layer and an inner layer. In some embodiments on inner guard layer may protect against needle stabs or sticks. The layers may be displaceable or detachable, for example to allow separate disposal or cleaning of a layer or layers.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 of the present invention, the layers are separately/in turn or collectively/as a whole seamed at a hand-proximal (first) end 4, and shoulder-proximal (second) end 5. Those seams are sewn and/or bonded which limit fraying from wear. The bonding is preferably fabric welding or gluing. Seamed edges resist fraying and stretching.

The device is fastened together and onto the user's arm using hook and loop material such as Velcro™.

Hook and loop portions are arranged on a securement strap 11, which strap is used to secure the device at at least one end, namely in the pictured embodiment the shoulder-proximal (second) end of the device, wherein the wrist (first) end is advantageously left clear to avoid snagging. The strap comprises a length of fabric or material that may be wrapped around a lateral part of the length of the device, so as to decrease the device's sectional width. In alternative embodiments, alternative means for fastening the sleeve on the users arm may be employed. The second end of the sleeve may be attached to the carer's clothing at or near their shoulder

Such end or ends consequently include seamed slots 10 providing a lacuna which allows the end to be reduced in size and pulled together to close the lacunae and ends onto the arm.

The illustrated lacuna 10 is adjacent the user's arm pit and additionally or alternatively advantageously prevents the device rucking up around the pit area and becoming uncomfortable.

Furthermore for users of differing body shapes, the lacuna is ideally situated to accommodate larger upper arm to shoulder shaping.

The edges, seams or ends of the sleeve furthermore include internal silicone grip sections, which sections are pressed against the user's skin by the securement strap, so as to provide a seal, as the sections deform resiliently.

In order to allow flexure and movement of the arm whilst wearing the device, the device includes intermediate lacunae is shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5. In particular the device of FIGS. 1 to 5 includes a lacuna 3 at or adjacent the user's elbow when the device (sleeve) is being worn. This allows the user to flex their arm at the elbow to allow easy arm movement without stretching the device.

The lacuna is mirrored to the other side 2 so as to enable flexure of the arm in a plurality of directions and avoid device material bagging or providing unwelcome interference to arm, flexure.

In an alternative, not illustrated, embodiment of the present invention to that described above the lacuna or cut outs in the sleeve may be replaced with continuous fabric with one or more darts in substantially the same position as the lacuna so as to aid flexure of the sleeve.

In use it may be envisaged that the device of the present invention comprises a pair of devices or sleeves to aid patient handling and reduce injuries at work.

Using the devices will give the patient a more secure and comfortable grip when being moved, whilst protecting the carer. Although patients are not often encouraged to hold onto carers' arms in panic it may be envisaged that they do. In this way if the device is slippery the patients' hand may slip off and hurt the carer or themselves.

The device further includes a protective flap 7 to cover the and securement strap, in order that patients are not liable to catch themselves on it, and user's not liable to shag clothing or other objects on the portions or securement strap.

In the illustrated embodiment the protective flap comprises a collar of material 7 that may be displaced away from or over the securing strap, comprising a flexible flap, attached along one edge 13 (that is the lowest edge or edge closed the carer's hand when in use, distal from the securing strap) so as to allow displacement or expansion along the device. The proximal edge 9 is closest to the carer's arm pit when in use is seamed to avoid fraying and aid in displacement thereof, and the distal edge 13 is seamed and bonded or sewn to the device. The flap encircles the device and includes an intermediate seamed bond (not shown).

The protective flap thereby comprises a flexible and elastic piece of material arrangeable to cover the securement strap in part or whole. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the flap comprises smooth material displaced to the distal side of the distal edge when not covering the strap, and smooth material when covering the strap, being displaced over the strap and stretched to be distal from the distal edge. In further uses, the material may be bunched around the distal edge when not covering the strap.

In Use the User Would:

1. Put their hand into the device and pull the device up to the top of their arm.

2. Secure the device end in place with the securing strap.

3. Cover the strap with the protective flap and repeat for the other arm.

4. When finished, wipe clean with antibacterial wipes then remove the devices and put them in an accompanying storage pouch.

In some embodiments the devices may be envisaged to be disposable, or single-use, and/or have a disposable or single-use covering. For example the devices may include an adhesive outer layer or layers.

With reference to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a sleeve (30) having a first end (32) and a second end (34). The sleeve (30) is formed from a sleeve body (31). The first end (34) of the sleeve (30) is adopted to overlie the palm and back of hand of a user (not shown) with the thumb of the user projecting through a thumb hole (36).

The first end (32) is defined by an edge (38) and the thumb hole (36) is defined by an edge (40), neither of the edges (38) or (40) are hemmed. This minimises interference between the edges (38) and or (40) when protective disposable gloves are put on by the carer over the first end of the sleeve (32). The lack of hem also increases sensitivity of touch for the carer and has the effect that the patent feels a close approximation to an unprotected human hand when the carer's hand is placed on the patient.

The second end (34) of the sleeve (30) is defined by a portion of the sleeve body (31) that is formed into a flexible tube (42) through which extends a draw string (44). The draw string (44) is elasticated and the diameter of the second end (34) may be adjusted with the draw string (44). The draw string (44) is gripped with a gripper (not shown) to keep the diameter of the second end (34) at the desired size. In alternative embodiments to that illustrated in FIG. 6, the material or fabric from which the sleeve is made is at a sufficiently elastic nature that it is stretched when the user places their arm in the sleeve and grips the users arm. In further alternative embodiments to that illustrated in FIG. 6, the flexible tube (42) contains a loop of elastic material which is stretched when the user places their arm within the sleeve, and grips the users arm. In similar embodiments, the sleeve does not include a flexible tube (42), but instead includes a loop of elastic material attached to the sleeve adjacent the second mouth of the sleeve which is stretched when the user places their arm within the sleeve, and grips the users arm.

The sleeve body (31) is formed from a flat sheet of material whose longitudinal edges have been, joined at a seam (46). The seam (46) is fabric welded or glued together with the effect that the seam (46) is smooth and does not include locations where bacteria or other micro-organisms can build up and be protected from being cleaned off the sleeve (30) or chemically treated.

The sleeve body is a material which has a degree of elasticity in the X and Y directions as shown in FIG. 6. This has the effect that the sleeve has at least some stretch to it which increases the comfort of the wearer relative to a sleeve with no elasticity/stretch.

With reference to FIG. 7, a third embodiment of a sleeve according to the present invention is shown. The sleeve of FIG. 7 is as that of FIG. 6 with the addition of the darts (48) which are located so that the darts fall either side of the elbow at a user when the sleeve on the arm of the user. The sleeve (30) as shown in FIG. 7 is adapted for use on the left hand arm of a user. This has the result that the darts overlie the inner (ventral) portion of the users arm either side of the elbow when the sleeve is located on the user's arm. The sleeve for the right hand arm of the user is a mirror image of the sleeve (30) illustrated in FIG. 7.

In other, unillustrated, embodiments, there is provide a pleat adjacent the inner or outer face of the user's elbow when the sleeve is located on the user's arm.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. The general principles of construction of the device of the illustrated embodiment of the present invention may be employed in other embodiments of the present invention. It will be further appreciated that all combinations of the features described herein are encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

With respect to the above description it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships far the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

1. Apparatus for the protection of an arm of a carer or handler of humans or animals in which the apparatus is comprised of a sleeve of flexible material having a first and second end, the first and second ends of the sleeve define first and second mouths respectively, and when in use the first mouth surrounds a portion of the carer's palm and back of hand, and the second mouth comprises a thumb hole adjacent the first end of the sleeve and surrounds a portion of the carers arm between the elbow and armpit, and the portion of the sleeve defining the second mouth and/or the portion of the sleeve adjacent to the second end is adapted to releasably grip the carer's arm. 2.-3. (canceled)
 4. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which one or both of the first end of the sleeve which defines the first mouth and/or the portion of the sleeve which defines the thumb hole is not hemmed.
 5. (canceled)
 6. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the sleeve has a longitudinal seam and the longitudinal seam is glued or fabric welded.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the sleeve has an inner face adapted to contact the arm of the carer and an outer face in which the outer face is comprised of a non-absorbent surface.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the sleeve is manufactured from a material which comprises at least one substance which has antimicrobial, biostatic, bactericidal, fungicidal, antibacterial, antiviral and/or biocidal properties.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the sleeve is formed from a material that is elastic in x and y directions in the plane of the material.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the sleeve is formed from a material that is one or more of tear resistant, abrasion resistant, waterproof, and or water vapour permeable.
 11. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the sleeve is resistant to washing temperatures of up to 95° C.
 12. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the sleeve is resistant to drying temperatures of up to 71° C.
 13. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the sleeve further comprises one or more darts and/or lacuna in the region that, in use, surrounds the carer's elbow.
 14. (canceled)
 15. Apparatus for the protection of an arm of a carer or handler of humans or animals in which the apparatus is comprised of a sleeve according to claim 1, a first inner disposable glove, and a second outer disposable glove, the inner disposable glove being for placement in direct contact with a user's hand, and the outer disposable glove for placement over the inner glove.
 16. Apparatus according to claim 15 in which a portion of the inner glove is locates within the sleeve and a portion of the outer glove overlies a portion of the outside of the glove.
 17. Use of a sleeve according to claim 1 to protect an arm of a carer or handler when caring for or handling a human or animal patient.
 18. Use of a sleeve according to claim 1 in which the carer or handler first puts on a protective glove with a cuff that extends beyond the carer's wrist, second they put the arm with the gloved hand into the sleeve, and third they put their gloved hand into a second protective glove which will overlies the first glove and the first end of the sleeve.
 19. A kit comprising at least one sleeve according to claim 1, and one or both of a storage container for the sleeve or sleeves, and at least one protective glove.
 20. (canceled) 